As a faculty in Tennessee I contacted residents in many areas and conducted interviews regarding their search for a rural practice. Some of them were obligated for rural practices and at that time, the NHSC scholars were being abused by low salaries and benefits. Many Community Health Centers grew to depend on a steady stream of new doctors instead of investing the time and effort to work with potential and new physicians.
Tale of Two Cities
One resident, Bob, related a story of being forgotten. The center director just forgot to pick him up. Needless to say the interview did not go well.
Bob the resident had a different experience at one town. He and his spouse Jo arrived and were immediately greeted by the hospital administrator (Ron) and ushered into his office while the kids were taken care of by hospital employees. The experience began with an interview while Ron explored their interests. This seemed to take quite a bit of time, but the results would justify the means.
Soon Bob and Jo had a chance to break and Ron got busy making phone calls. Using his years of experience and connections, he recalled people and places that he knew would be important for a young couple moving into a new town and starting a new life.
The visits began. The couple together and individually spent the next day and a half touring the town and meeting people where they worked and lived. Ron was correct in his impressions and the impact was enormous. The transition to the town was going to be easy. The couple knew that they had some new friends, some great potential friends, a church, a place for their kids, a hospital administrator that was understanding and willing to listen (and mentor) and more. The recruitment ended with a community gathering at the firehouse where Bob ended up singing and playing music for the people gathered, a favorite activity for Bob.
Recruitment is not a difficult task if some of these simple concepts are practiced. Perspective and experience are key components.
In many ways recruitment is easier for some small towns as there are people that can perform the functions noted above. Rural people are often called on to pitch in at a moment's notice to help out the town or others in town.